Car Shaking When Driving? Here's What's Wrong

## Your Car Is Shaking. What's Going On?

You're driving and something doesn't feel right. The steering wheel vibrates. The whole car shakes.

That's your car telling you something's wrong.

The cause depends on when it happens. Let's figure it out.

When Does The Shaking Happen?

Shaking At High Speed (60mph+)

Most likely: Wheel balance issues.

What's happening: Wheels need to be precisely balanced. Small weight differences cause vibrations that get worse at speed.

• **Other possibilities:**
• Worn tyres
• Bent wheel (rim)
• Damaged tyre (bulge or flat spot)

How serious: Not immediately dangerous, but will cause uneven tyre wear. Get it sorted within a week or two.

Fix: Wheel balancing (£5-10 per wheel) at any tyre shop.

Shaking When Braking

Most likely: Warped brake discs.

What's happening: Brake discs should be perfectly flat. Heat and wear cause warping. When you brake, the pads hit high spots and create vibration.

• **Other possibilities:**
• Worn brake pads
• Stuck calliper
• Brake drum issues (rear brakes)

How serious: Affects braking performance. Get it checked soon.

Fix: Disc resurfacing or replacement (£100-300 per axle).

Shaking At Low Speed

Most likely: Tyre issues.

What's happening: Flat spots (from sitting parked), damaged tyres, or severely unbalanced wheels can cause low-speed vibration.

• **Other possibilities:**
• Bent wheel from pothole
• Separated tyre belt (internal damage)
• CV joint wear

How serious: Depends on cause. Tyre issues need prompt attention.

Fix: Inspect tyres, balance or replace as needed.

Shaking When Accelerating

Most likely: CV joint or driveshaft issues.

What's happening: The components that transfer power to the wheels are worn or damaged. Acceleration puts them under load, causing vibration.

• **Other possibilities:**
• Worn motor mounts
• Damaged driveshaft
• Axle problems

How serious: CV joints can fail completely. Address within a couple of weeks.

Fix: CV joint or driveshaft replacement (£150-400).

Shaking When Idling

Most likely: Engine mounts.

What's happening: Rubber mounts between the engine and body absorb vibration. When they wear out, you feel the engine's natural vibration.

• **Other possibilities:**
• Engine misfire (with roughness)
• Vacuum leak
• Idle control issues

How serious: Worn mounts aren't urgent but will get worse.

Fix: Engine mount replacement (£100-300).

Shaking All The Time

Most likely: Multiple issues or severe single problem.

What's happening: Could be several minor issues adding up, or one significant problem like a bent axle or severely damaged tyre.

How serious: Get it diagnosed soon.

Fix: Professional inspection needed.

How To Diagnose Yourself

Check Your Tyres First

• Most shaking comes down to tyres. Look for:
• Uneven wear patterns
• Bulges or bumps in the sidewall
• Objects stuck in the tread
• Low pressure
• Visible damage

If tyres look good, the problem is likely elsewhere.

Notice When It Happens

• Pay attention:
• At what speed does it start?
• Does it get worse with speed?
• Does it happen when braking?
• Is it constant or intermittent?
• Do you feel it in the steering wheel, seat, or whole car?

This information helps mechanics diagnose faster.

Recent Changes

• Think about recent events:
• Hit any potholes?
• New tyres fitted?
• Any recent work done?
• Been sitting unused?

Steering Wheel vs Seat

Steering wheel vibration: Usually front wheels, brakes, or suspension.

Seat/floor vibration: Usually rear tyres or drivetrain issues.

Quick Fixes To Try

Check Tyre Pressure Underinflated tyres cause vibration. Check all four and adjust to the correct pressure (shown on your door frame sticker).

Inspect Tyres For Damage Walk around the car and look at each tyre carefully. Anything obviously wrong?

Feel For Hot Wheels After driving, carefully feel each wheel near the centre (not the tyre — the rim). A much hotter wheel than the others suggests sticking brakes.

When To Stop Driving

• **Pull over if:**
• Shaking is severe and sudden
• You hear accompanying noises (grinding, knocking)
• Steering feels loose or unresponsive
• Warning lights appear
• The car pulls strongly to one side

These suggest more serious issues that could affect safety.

Common Causes And Costs

| Cause | Typical Cost | |-------|-------------| | Wheel balancing | £30-50 (all four) | | Tyre replacement | £60-150 per tyre | | Wheel alignment | £50-80 | | Brake disc replacement | £150-300 per axle | | CV joint replacement | £150-400 | | Engine mount | £100-300 | | Wheel bearing | £150-300 |

Prevention

Regular Tyre Checks Monthly pressure checks. Visual inspection for damage. Rotate tyres as recommended.

Wheel Alignment Get alignment checked annually or after hitting a significant pothole. Misalignment causes uneven wear and vibration.

Balance When Fitting Tyres Always balance wheels when fitting new tyres. Ask if they've been balanced.

Don't Ignore Potholes If you hit a bad pothole, inspect your wheels and tyres. Get them checked if anything feels different.

Keep Brakes Maintained Regular brake inspections prevent warped discs and worn components.

Get It Diagnosed

Not sure what's causing the shaking?

Download Hault. A mobile mechanic can inspect your car at your location, diagnose the cause, and often fix it on the spot.

No guessing. No unnecessary repairs. Just proper diagnosis and honest advice.